(3 Minutes Read)
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, a dominant force for decades, is facing a strong challenge from opposition parties that boycotted the 2019 election
Tanzanians have been voting in local government elections, which are widely seen as a crucial test for the country’s democratic institutions. The elections will follow next year’s presidential poll. Over 31 million people have cast their ballots for more than 80,000 street and village leaders who wield considerable power in the country.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, a dominant force for decades, is facing a strong challenge from opposition parties that boycotted the 2019 election.
She promised this election would be free and fair. However, there were allegations of irregularities and incidences of repression ahead of the polls. The main opposition party, Chadema, accused the authorities of vote rigging after thousands of its candidates were disqualified from running.
Chadema said three of its members were killed on the eve of the election and that party leader, Freeman Mbowe, was briefly arrested during a rally over the weekend.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/tanzania-to-pursue-inclusivity-programs-for-youth/
Hassan took office following the sudden death in 2021 of her authoritarian predecessor, John Magufuli. At first, she was feted for easing restrictions he had imposed on the opposition and media. Now there is reported violence against dissent and arrest of opposition leaders
